Original Item: Only One Available. We purchased this by mail convinced we’d found a solid silver treasure. Alas it is only heavily silver plated brass!
Nevertheless it is absolutely charming with a finely chiseled guard showing angelic faces and sea serpents. Fully silver wire bound grip with a single bow guard. The doubled edge blade 31″ plus shows remains of engraved decoration.
Most compelling is an engraved inscription on the “Urn” shaped silver plated hilt pommel
stating:
FRENCH SHIP “ADMIRABLE”, MAY 29TH 1692
Clearly a “Prize of War” research tells us that the British fleet attacked the French in their Northern Harbors in May and June of 1692 and that the French Man-o-War was captured and burnt to the waterline.
Some British Tar obviously decided this was a good souvenir but I am sure was truly miffed, as we were, when he discovered that the silver was not solid. Just the same, a cracking souvenir of yet another British victorious engagement at sea against the French.